As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for an Exercise Specialist in the United States is $50,779 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, an Exercise Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Exercise Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Exercise Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Exercise Specialist | $48,877 |
| Intermediate Level Exercise Specialist | $49,050 |
| Senior Level Exercise Specialist | $51,228 |
| Specialist Level Exercise Specialist | $53,743 |
| Expert Level Exercise Specialist | $53,923 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Exercise Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6% |
| Cardiac | 4.91% |
| Exercise Physiology | 2.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Alignment
|
$56,872 |
12%
|
|
Innovation
|
$56,365 |
11%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$55,349 |
9%
|
|
Cardiac
|
$54,334 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$54,334 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$54,334 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Exercise Specialists enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Exercise Specialist with a No Diploma is between $50,003 and $53,054).
Exercise Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.5% |
| High School | 7.5% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 63.2% |
| Masters | 26.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how an Exercise Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on June 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Exercise Specialist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Physiologist | $67,534 | 33% |
| Physical Therapist III | $122,358 | 141% |
Salaries for an Exercise Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,623 in 2023 to around $71,573 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Exercise Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $73,623 |
| 2024 | $72,722 |
| 2025 | $71,573 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Exercise Specialist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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An Exercise Specialist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Exercise Specialist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Exercise Specialist is $64,048.
The highest pay for Exercise Specialist is $62,276.
The lowest pay for Exercise Specialist is $39,712.
Identifies risk factors and designs specialized strength and conditioning programs for patients. Teaches patients proper exercise techniques. Educates patient and family members on proper techniques for transitioning from a hospital-based fitness program to a safe and effective home exercise program. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in exercise science. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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